The boss of the largest taxi company in Norfolk has hit out at private parking fines, branding them “modern piracy”.

Simon Callender, director of ABC Taxis in Norwich, said he receives up to 10 invoices for private parking charges every week - which he throws away.

And cab companies across the region say they are bombarded with invoices from companies using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, for picking up and dropping off customers at shops, doctors’ surgeries and hospital residences.

Mr Callender, 59, said: “The thing with taxis which they don’t seem to understand is that we don’t actually park.

“There are certain places where just for picking up someone from the premises you get a ticket.

Parked cars

“I must have thrown three away today. It’s getting out of hand.

“It’s modern day piracy - they’re preying on the vulnerable.

“If they send out enough threatening letters saying ‘it’s now doubled and you’ll get bailiffs round’ it frightens people.”

Mr Callender, from Norwich, said he won’t pay the charges, which can range from £40 to £160, unless there’s a good reason.

John Walker, Enterprise Taxis director, said he had received 1,000 notices in the past four years.

He spoke out about the issue after a driver who dropped off a customer in a wheelchair at a doctors appointment in Norwich was faced with a ticket after getting a flat tyre - and so was the breakdown vehicle sent to help.

Mr Walker, 45, said: “The people I’m trying to help are the 50 year olds and above who will just get the ticket and pay - it’s not fair.

“It’s automated and takes your number plate as you go in and out. That’s where the problem lies.